Reproductive Cycle, Sexual Maturity and Fecundity of Mullus barbatus (Linnaeus, 1758)

Abstract

The study aims to determine the reproductive biology and 50% maturity length of red mullet (M. barbatus) by taking monthly samples in the Black Sea between October 2017 and September 2018. The difference in the sex ratio of the samples (female: 936, male: 454) was found to be significant. It was understood that the results of the methods used to determine the reproductive period (GSI, macroscopic analysis of gonads, microscopic analysis of gonads) were compatible with each other. The reproduction period of red mullet was between April and August in the Black Sea, but spawning occurred between May and August according to the histological method. Considering the oocyte structures and oocyte diameter distributions in the histological sections, it was observed that the red mullet in the Black Sea was a multiple spawner and had an indeterminate fecundity. Mean and standard deviation of batch fecundity (FB) and mean relative fecundity (FR) of red mullet during the spawning period were calculated as 4813.0±5324.0 and 124.6±124.1 g-1, respectively. The maturity sizes of females and males were 12.40 cm and 11.29 cm, respectively. To ensure the sustainability of red mullet stocks in the Black Sea, a new management plan should be established that takes into account spawning periods, reproductive strategies, and sizes at maturity.